(a) whether there is a need for innovation in packaging industry to meet the demand of consumers and requirement of the market;
(b) if so, the steps taken to provide resources and equipment required for the said innovation; and
(c) the total funds allocated for start-up projects and R&D activities during the last three years, year-wise state-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES
(SHRI Y.S. CHOWDARY)
(a) Yes, Madam. Innovative Packaging technologies for package development and applications will help the country to realize its goal of becoming a manufacturing hub.
(b) Indian Institute of Packaging, an autonomous body of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is playing a catalytic role in assimilation and dissemination of packaging technologies. The Institute is involved in various R&D activities like the formulation of packaging standards for fresh fruits and vegetables, tea, spices, etc. The Institute is working on these R&D projects with financial assistance from Ministry of Commerce bodies, such as APEDA, Tea Board, Spices Board etc. Government is encouraging institutions in the area of packaging to upgrade their infrastructure and laboratory facilities and also providing them with incubation facilities to focus on development of innovative packaging technologies, such as: Barrier technologies and materials particularly for the flexible packaging sector; Rigid packaging like glass, composites and metals; Semi rigid packaging like thermoform containers; Stand up pouches and flexible bottles; Retort and aseptic packaging; Vacuum and gas flush packaging; Easy dispensing systems (caps & closures) dosing systems to cater to the elderly and child needs; etc.
(c) The total funds allocated for R&D activities by the Ministry of Science and Technology during the last three years and the current year, year-wise is given below. Out of this, the funds allocated to DST’s (Department of Science and Technology) scheme on “S&T Entrepreneurship Development” that promotes and supports start-up projects and related activities are also given below. The Ministry does not allocate funds state-wise.
Rs. in Crore
Year Ministry of S&T S&T Entrepreneurship Development
2013-14 6275.00 50.00
2014-15 6725.00 50.00
2015-16 7289.30 60.00
2016-17 8100.00 180.00
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